Picture an Anglo-Nigerian storyteller who spun a tale of friendship and chaos over a lively lunch—meet Nikki May! Born in Bristol and raised in Lagos, May’s vibrant debut novel, Wahala, blends humor, tension, and cultural commentary, earning her a spot as a rising star in contemporary fiction. Her journey from advertising mogul to award-winning author is as colorful as her stories, weaving her dual heritage into narratives that resonate with readers worldwide.
With a knack for crafting flawed yet fabulous characters, May’s work explores identity, race, and the complexities of human connection. Her books don’t just entertain—they spark conversations, making her a fresh voice in literary fiction. Let’s dive into the world of Nikki May, where cultures collide and stories come alive.
The Making of Nikki May
Born in Bristol, England, Nikki May’s early years were shaped by her Anglo-Nigerian roots. At age two, she moved to Lagos, Nigeria, where she spent her childhood immersed in a vibrant, multicultural world. Her parents, an English mother and Nigerian father who met at Bristol University, instilled a love for storytelling and cultural pride. After dropping out of medical school at 20, May moved to London, launching a successful career in advertising. She ran her own agency, honing her knack for persuasive storytelling—a skill that later fueled her novels. A fateful lunch with friends sparked her writing journey, leading her to trade boardrooms for books.
Nikki May’s Unforgettable Stories
May’s debut novel, Wahala (2022), is a deliciously chaotic tale of three Anglo-Nigerian friends—Ronke, Simi, and Boo—whose lives unravel when a glamorous newcomer, Isobel, stirs up trouble. Inspired by a real-life lunch, the book mixes humor, drama, and cultural nuance, winning the Comedy Women in Print New Voice Prize and earning a BBC TV adaptation. Critics praised its vivid characters and sharp take on race and identity, with The Guardian noting its knack for delivering “plenty of trouble.”
Her second novel, This Motherless Land (2024), is a decolonial retelling of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. It follows Funke, a Nigerian girl sent to live with her cold English relatives after a tragedy, and her cousin Liv, who becomes her fierce ally. Set across Nigeria and England, the book tackles race, privilege, and belonging with a personal touch—Funke’s Lagos life mirrors May’s own. Praised for its “powerful, thought-provoking” narrative, it was a Read with Jenna Book Club pick. May’s style is vibrant and accessible, blending wit with hard-hitting themes, making her stories both entertaining and profound.
May also penned a short story, WHAT THE...?!, showcasing her versatility in shorter formats. Her ability to craft compelling, culturally rich narratives has cemented her as a unique voice in fiction, with each work reflecting her Anglo-Nigerian identity.
Why Nikki May Matters
Nikki May’s impact lies in her fearless exploration of mixed-race identity and cultural duality. Her characters—flawed, fun, and fiercely real—challenge stereotypes, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to navigate two worlds. By centering Anglo-Nigerian women, May amplifies underrepresented voices, sparking dialogue about race and belonging. Her transition from advertising to authorship inspires aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase a creative dream. With Wahala headed to TV screens and This Motherless Land gaining acclaim, May’s influence is only growing, making her a must-read in contemporary fiction.
- Born: Bristol, England
- Key Works: Wahala (2022), This Motherless Land (2024), WHAT THE...?!
- Awards: Comedy Women in Print New Voice Prize (2023)
- Fun Fact: Lives in Dorset with her husband, two schnauzers, and too many books
Snag Wahala or This Motherless Land and dive into Nikki May’s vibrant world of wit, heart, and cultural flair!